What is the EPC Register in Scotland?

The EPC Register in Scotland is the official government-approved database that stores Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for Scottish properties. It records key information about a building’s energy efficiency rating, environmental impact, recommendations for improvement and the accredited assessor who produced the certificate. When a property in Scotland is sold or let, a valid EPC must be lodged on the Scottish EPC Register so that prospective buyers and tenants can easily access accurate and up-to-date energy performance information.

How do I find an EPC for a property in Scotland?

To find an EPC for a property in Scotland, you can search the Scottish EPC Register online using the property postcode and address details. If an EPC has been lodged, you will be able to view the current energy rating, certificate date, expiry date and recommendations. If no EPC is showing, it is likely that a certificate has not yet been produced or is no longer valid, in which case you will need to instruct an accredited energy assessor to carry out a new EPC assessment.

What information is shown on a Scottish EPC?

A Scottish Energy Performance Certificate typically includes: the current and potential energy efficiency rating of the property (on a scale from A to G), estimated running costs for heating, hot water and lighting, a summary of the construction and heating systems, and tailored recommendations for improving energy performance. The EPC will also show the date of assessment, the certificate’s expiry date and the details of the accredited energy assessor who carried out the survey and lodged the EPC on the Scottish Register.

How long does an EPC last in Scotland?

In Scotland, an Energy Performance Certificate is normally valid for up to 10 years from the date of issue, unless significant changes have been made to the property that would materially affect its energy performance. If you have carried out major upgrades, such as installing insulation, replacing the heating system or adding renewable technologies, it is often beneficial to commission a new EPC to reflect the improved efficiency and to support marketing when selling or letting the property.

Do I need a new EPC if I improve my property in Scotland?

You are not automatically required to obtain a new EPC when you improve your property in Scotland, provided your existing certificate is still within its 10-year validity period. However, if you have carried out substantial energy-efficiency upgrades, such as new insulation, glazing or a new heating system, commissioning a new EPC can be highly beneficial. A better rating can make your home or commercial property more attractive to buyers and tenants and will be shown on the Scottish EPC Register when potential purchasers or renters search for your certificate.

How can I get an EPC for my property in Scotland?

To get an EPC for a property in Scotland, you must use an accredited domestic or non-domestic energy assessor. The assessor will visit the property, collect measurements and details about construction, heating, lighting and insulation, and then produce the EPC using government-approved software. The completed certificate is lodged on the Scottish EPC Register and you will receive a copy to use for marketing and compliance. Energy Plus provides fast, professional EPC assessments across Scotland and can guide you through the whole process from booking to certificate lodgement.

What is the difference between the Scottish EPC Register and the EPC register in England and Wales?

The Scottish EPC Register is operated separately from the EPC registers used in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own building regulations and administrative system for lodging and retrieving EPCs, so certificates for Scottish properties will not appear on the EPC register for England and Wales. When searching for an EPC or booking a new certificate, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct register and an assessor who is accredited to work in Scotland.

Can I check if my EPC is still valid on the Scottish Register?

Yes, you can check if your EPC is still valid by searching for your property on the Scottish EPC Register. The search results will show the date of issue and the expiry date of the certificate. If the EPC has expired or is close to expiry and you are planning to sell or let the property, you should arrange for a new EPC assessment so that you remain compliant with Scottish property legislation.

Why is the EPC Register important for selling or letting property in Scotland?

The EPC Register is a key part of the home-selling and letting process in Scotland because it provides independent, standardised information about a property’s energy performance. Prospective buyers and tenants can quickly compare the energy ratings and running costs of different properties, which increasingly influences purchasing and rental decisions. Having a valid, accurately lodged EPC on the Scottish Register is a legal requirement when marketing most residential and commercial properties and can help build trust and transparency with potential clients.

EPC Register Scotland & Home Energy Certificates

Find your Scottish EPC, understand your rating and discover how to improve your home's energy efficiency, comfort and running costs.

What is the EPC Register for Scotland?

The EPC Register Scotland is the official online database of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for homes in Scotland. Every time a domestic EPC is produced by an accredited assessor, the details are lodged on this central register managed on behalf of the Scottish Government.

If you sell, let or build a home in Scotland, you must usually have a valid EPC. Buyers and tenants use the rating to compare energy performance, while homeowners use it to plan improvements, cut bills and reduce carbon emissions.

On this page we explain how the EPC Register Scotland works, how to find your EPC online, what your rating means, and how to book a new domestic EPC survey anywhere in Scotland.

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How to Find Your EPC on the Scottish Register

To check if your home already has an EPC, you can search the official EPC Register Scotland website using your address or EPC reference number. If you have moved into a property recently, the certificate should also have been included in your Home Report or tenancy documents.

Go to the Scottish EPC Register website (domestic section).
Choose the option to search by property address or certificate number.
Enter your Scottish postcode and select your home from the list.
Open and download your EPC as a PDF for future reference.

If your home does not appear on the register, or the certificate has expired, you will need to book a new assessment with an accredited domestic energy assessor.

Understanding Your EPC Rating in Scotland

A Scottish EPC shows your home's energy efficiency on a colour scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). It also includes estimated energy costs, your dwelling's environmental impact and tailored recommendations for improvement.

Your certificate will usually contain:

Current rating – how efficient your home is today.
Potential rating – the score you could reach after recommended upgrades.
Estimated energy bills – based on typical use.
Suggestions – measures ranked by cost and impact.

Improving your EPC rating can make your home more comfortable, cheaper to run and potentially more attractive to buyers and tenants.

Do I Need an EPC for My Home in Scotland?

In most cases, you must have a valid domestic EPC if you are in Scotland and you are:

Selling your home.
Letting your home to a new tenant.
Building a new property.
Converting or substantially altering a dwelling.

The EPC must be available to potential buyers and tenants at the earliest opportunity. Failing to provide a certificate when required can result in enforcement action by your local authority.

Even if you are not moving, commissioning a new EPC or home energy survey is a practical way to understand how your property performs and where to invest in upgrades such as insulation, heating or renewables.

Domestic EPCs in Scotland are typically valid for 10 years, unless major changes are made to the building. If your certificate is older or you have upgraded your home since it was issued, a fresh assessment can give you a more accurate rating.

What Does a Home EPC Assessment Involve?

A domestic EPC survey in Scotland is a visual, non-invasive inspection carried out by an accredited energy assessor. It typically takes between 30 minutes and 90 minutes for a standard house or flat, depending on size and complexity.

During the visit the assessor will usually check and record:

Property type, age and construction details.
Wall, roof and floor insulation where visible or documented.
Type and age of the heating system and controls.
Hot water system, cylinders and insulation.
Windows and doors, including glazing type and draught proofing.
Low energy lighting and any renewable technologies.

This information is entered into approved Scottish EPC software which calculates your rating. The finished certificate is then lodged on the EPC Register Scotland and a copy is sent to you.

How to Prepare for Your EPC Visit

Make sure the assessor can access all rooms, the loft hatch and boiler.
Have any paperwork for insulation, heating upgrades or renewables ready.
Replace missing light bulbs, ideally with low energy lamps.
Let the assessor know about any hidden insulation that is not visible.

Good preparation helps the assessor capture all improvements and secure the most accurate rating for your home.

How to Improve Your EPC Rating in Scotland

1. Insulation Upgrades

Loft and roof insulation are some of the most cost-effective ways to boost your EPC. If your home has cavity walls, filling them can significantly reduce heat loss. Older solid wall properties may benefit from internal or external insulation.

2. Heating & Controls

Replacing an outdated boiler, adding smart controls, or installing efficient electric heating can have a big impact on both your EPC rating and your bills. Simple measures like thermostatic radiator valves also contribute positively.

3. Glazing, Lighting & Renewables

Upgrading to modern double or triple glazing, fitting low-energy LED lighting throughout and exploring options such as solar PV or heat pumps can further raise your score and lower carbon emissions.

Scotland vs the Rest of the UK

Energy Performance Certificates are required throughout the UK, but Scotland has its own dedicated EPC register, guidance and Home Report system. Domestic EPCs for Scottish properties must be lodged on the Scottish register and are produced using calculation rules set by the Scottish Government.

If you own properties elsewhere in the UK, these will be listed on different EPC registers for England & Wales or Northern Ireland, and the documents may look slightly different. Always ensure you use an assessor who is accredited for the correct nation.

Common Questions About the EPC Register Scotland

How long does an EPC stay on the register?: Domestic EPCs are usually valid and visible for 10 years, unless superseded by a newer certificate.
Can I see previous versions of my EPC?: When a new certificate is lodged it replaces the old one, but your assessor or solicitor may still hold earlier copies.
Is the register free to search?: Yes. Searching for and downloading an existing Scottish EPC is free of charge.

Need a New EPC for Your Scottish Home?

Whether you are selling, letting or simply planning energy-saving improvements, we can arrange a fast, reliable domestic EPC anywhere in Scotland through our network of accredited assessors.

Provide a few details and we'll come back to you with a clear, fixed quotation.

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Transparent pricing • Accredited domestic assessors • Certificates lodged on the official EPC Register Scotland

Summary: Using the EPC Register Scotland to Improve Your Home

The EPC Register Scotland is an essential resource for homeowners, buyers and tenants. It lets you quickly check your home's current efficiency rating, confirm that a certificate is in place when selling or letting, and track the impact of energy-saving upgrades.

If your property does not appear on the register, or your existing certificate is out of date, arranging a new domestic EPC is straightforward. An accredited assessor will visit, collect the necessary information and lodge your certificate on the Scottish register, giving you a clear picture of how your home performs and where to focus improvements.

Use the form on this page to request a quotation, and take the next step towards a warmer, more efficient and more sustainable home in Scotland.

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Updated on 7 Dec 2025